Luke Littler isn’t just a rising star; he’s a darts sensation who, in just two short years, has fundamentally altered the landscape of professional darts. This young prodigy isn’t merely winning matches; he’s consistently delivering elite-level performances, recording an astonishing 30 averages of 105 or higher in major TV ranking events. This places him among the sport’s all-time greats at an unprecedented pace. He has already ascended to world number one, secured ten titles, and thrown four perfect legs in 2024 alone, signaling a new era where his routine excellence is challenging the very definition of darts supremacy.
What we’re witnessing with Luke Littler is far beyond a fleeting moment of brilliance. It’s a consistent, almost frightening, display of top-tier darts that is quickly becoming his standard. This makes his impact unique: we’re not seeing an occasional breakout performance, but a player, barely two seasons into his professional career, who is routinely posting numbers that demand a complete re-evaluation of what is considered ‘normal’ in the sport.
The Power of a 105+ Average
A 105+ average in darts is not just a good score; it’s a statement of absolute dominance. It signifies a player who is operating at peak efficiency, doing everything at speed and with relentless pressure:
- Piling on 140s and 180s: Consistently hitting the maximum scores with ease.
- Keeping the treble bed under pressure: Ensuring every visit to the board puts immense scoring pressure on the opponent.
- Cleaning up doubles with precision: Finishing legs swiftly, often before the opponent has even had a chance to react.
These are performances that make matches feel shorter than they actually are, as legs disappear in a blur of high scoring. The significance of tracking 105+ averages in TV ranking events lies in its measure of repeatability under pressure – how often a player can reach this elite level when the stakes are highest and the lights are brightest.
Littler’s Unprecedented Ascent
Luke Littler has not just entered the conversation of darts greatness; he has stormed into it with remarkable force. Consider these incredible facts:
- 30 Averages of 105+ in Two Years: In an incredibly short span, Littler has recorded 30 instances of a 105+ average in TV ranking events. This puts him fourth on the all-time list, a list usually dominated by legends with decades of experience.
- World Number One: Already, the PDC’s current Order of Merit places Littler at the top. This isn’t ‘future superstar’ territory; this is ‘everyone else needs to adjust their game plan’ territory.
- Dominant 2024 Season: In 2024 alone, he has secured ten titles and thrown an astonishing four perfect legs (nine-dart finishes). This isn’t merely good form; it’s a level of scoring pressure that can turn even the most formidable opponents into spectators.
Standing Shoulder-to-Shoulder with Legends
To truly grasp the scale of Littler’s achievement, it’s essential to compare him to the titans of darts history:
Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor
Taylor isn’t just the benchmark; he defined it. If darts has a ‘default setting’ for greatness, it’s Phil Taylor in his prime. He still holds a commanding lead on the 105+ TV ranking list with an incredible 96 instances. His record of 14 PDC World Titles remains unmatched, a testament to his long-term domination.
Michael van Gerwen
Van Gerwen updated the standard, showing that blistering scoring could be combined with relentless winning. He sits second on the 105+ TV ranking list with 73 instances, showcasing his terrifying ability to hit top gear on the biggest stages. Van Gerwen is also a three-time PDC World Champion (2014, 2017, 2019).
The Shocking Reality of Littler’s Pace
The most astonishing aspect of Littler’s rise isn’t just his inclusion on this elite list, but the speed at which he’s closing the gap on players who have been at the top for far longer. Gary Anderson, another multi-world champion and legend, has 32 105+ averages on the same list. Littler is currently on 30. That’s not a ‘one day, maybe’ distance; that’s a ‘two tournaments’ distance.
The terrifying prospect for every other player in darts is that Littler’s game appears built for sustained success: heavy scoring, a fast and fluid rhythm, fearless stage presence, and an uncanny knack for converting high-pressure moments into highlight-reel finishes. The future of darts isn’t just bright; it’s being redefined by Luke Littler, right now.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
